Separation & Divorce
Why You May Need an Expert Witness or Other Professional to Assist in Your Divorce or Child Custody Case
Depending on the nature and complexity of the issues in dispute in your divorce or child custody matter, your attorney may recommend that you engage the services of non-lawyer professionals to assist with certain aspects of your case. The cost of retaining non-lawyer professionals can add to your legal expenses.
Read MoreDoes My Separation Agreement Have To Be Approved by the Court?
“Separation agreement” is the term commonly used to describe a legally binding contract that spouses enter into when they reach an agreement regarding issues related to their marital separation. The agreement may be a simple agreement that establishes the parties’ mutual agreement to separate and their date of separation, or it may deal with more complex issues, including child custody, child support, postseparation support, alimony, and equitable distribution of marital property and debt.
Read MoreCan I Require My Spouse to Maintain Life Insurance To Secure an Alimony or Child Support Obligation?
Under North Carolina law, the obligation of a spouse to pay alimony, or a parent to pay child support, ceases upon the death of the obligor. Maintaining a life insurance policy in effect insuring the life of the supporting spouse or parent can provide a dependent spouse or custodial parent with valuable financial security in the event of the death of the supporting spouse or parent.
Read MoreIs It Considered Abandonment If I Leave My Spouse?
Depending on your reason for leaving your spouse, your spouse may have grounds to allege abandonment, which is sometimes referred to as desertion. In North Carolina, abandonment is considered an act of marital misconduct.
Read MorePost-Divorce Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Assets And Financial Interests
If you have signed your separation agreement or a judge has entered a Judgment of Equitable Distribution dividing your marital property and debts, you are probably feeling relieved that this stage of your divorce is over and looking forward to putting these matters behind you. However, this is a crucial stage of the divorce process…
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